James packer

James Packer tells police Netanyahu ‘demanded’ gifts

srael Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded gifts and gratuities worth up to $US100,000 from casino billionaire James Packer and a business associate, according to evidence given by Mr Packer, Israeli media outlets reported.

After months of trying to speak to him – including allegedly fleeing in a Mexican yacht – Mr Packer agreed to be interviewed last week by the Australian Federal Police in Australia on behalf of Israeli investigators.

Israel’s second-largest newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, reported Mr Packer agreed to speak on the condition that his evidence would not be used against him.

The day after the interview, the Federal Police issued a rare statement acknowledging it had spoken to Mr Packer as a witness and that he wasn’t a suspect.

 Read the article by Aaron Patrick in the Australian Financial Review.